Question Hello. I am your typical "undecided about choosing a major" college student. I have always been artisically talented as a youth and still take on artistic ventures as a hobby of mine. Unfortunately, I never really made the effort to develop my innate talents to new heights, which I very much regret now. I am exploring ways to get myself back on track and I have recently discovered my talent for photography. I mostly do photography work for family and friends' functions like birthdays, weddings, holidays, etc.
I feel as though a career in something art related would suit me well, but with the current state of the economy, I am being swayed away from it as I know the jobs are scarce, and the stigma of ending up a "starving artist" is a sterotype I have trouble shaking away from my thoughts. I am interested in doing wedding photography, multimedia design, filmmaking, and animation. The thought of opening a my own multimedia production company that deals with all these interests makes me drool with excitement. With photography, I have found a very pleasing way to express my creativity and also to have a fun activity to share my work with friends/family, but to be a jack of all trades is a bit much so I would like to focus on photography at first to build upon something.
My question to you is what does it take for people within the industry to succeed. I know that there is no set formula for success, but there should be some general guidelines. Do you have any recommendations of any schools or programs within the New England area, especially Massachusetts, that are great for pursuing art related majors? How strong is the industry right now in your opinion in terms of job security and jobs openings? Where should one focus their attention so that they could take on such a career full-time and raise a family?
I could use some positive reinforcement to help me gain the confidence that choosing to go the art major route won't end with me jobless and back to the drawing board to find a new major.
Answer First off, it sounds like you certainly have your head on straight. You realize what your strengths are and what you are most passionate about. It is difficult for me to suggest to you what I think may be the best option as a major because the world of newspapers and more specifically, photojournalism is in a weird state. Newspapers all over the country are closing and folks are losing their jobs.
I can tell you what line I am planning on taking. I have been a photojournalist for over 11 years and over the past two years, the demand for photographers taking up video has increased tremendously. Two years back, I started my own business, Gallery 9 North and focus on weddings, after all, people are still getting married! Such as all types of photography, weddings photography is just as competitive.
Honestly, I am not overly familiar with great schools on the east coast for photojournalism so I can't help you out there. Hopefully somebody on this board can. I can say that my 11 years of working my ass off in the field is in jeopardy. We have had frequent layoffs and there has been no sign of seniority saving anyone! There are also trends showing publications handing off cameras to reporters and skimping out on the photographers all together. I tend to feel that the trend is in the smaller markets.
I do feel that there will be a greater demand for what we do but I can't say when that will be. It's difficult now that everybody can afford a digital camera and there is always a person willing to do a job for free, which is a big time no-no.
All I can say is, if I knew then, what I know now...I would have majored in Art Education and minored in photography and also would have focused on video. Whatever you do, if you choose photojournalism, you must be able to shoot video, like it or not. It will only make you a stronger candidate for a job but I think it makes you a better artist.
I can't say I make tons of money, I certainly don't feel I am paid what I deserve but with my wedding business as well, I do ok. Luckily, I have a wonderful wife who teaches and has great health care benefits! It's obvious to me that I do what I do because I am passionate about my work. I also can't handle the same thing every day and would go crazy with an office job.
